Transport systems are crowded, roads blocked with traffic, and cancellations can lose you money, too.
Here’s how to handle festive travel so it’s as smooth as possible – and that you’re not wasting money or losing out on delay refunds.
Who is MoneyMagpie?
MoneyMagpie is your best friend when it comes to all things money.
Founded by TV personality and money expert Jasmine Birtles (Homes Under the Hammer, GMB, This Morning, BBC News plus many more), MoneyMagpie has been helping millions of people make better financial decisions for over a decade.
With daily deals, investment tips and hacks to save money, plus free money-saving newsletters, the Magpie team will help you with money management, accessing that infamous “side hustle cash”, and provide constant amazing giveaways and competitions – all on MoneyMagpie.com and additional social media channels.
MoneyMagpie’s Deal of the Week
MoneyMagpie’s Advent Calendar gives readers the chance to win prizes or nab amazing deals every single day of December up to the New Year. From hotel stays to Readly subscriptions and more, all you need to do is check back daily for the latest opportunity.
Visit https://www.moneymagpie.com/advent-calendar and click on each door to reveal a free prize draw or giveaway, or follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/moneymagpie/ for the daily reveals on your feed.
Travel Very Early or Very Late
Avoid the busiest times of day for roads, rail, and even air transport. If you’re travelling with young children, try to time the main bulk of travel during their usual sleeping hours to minimise stress (such as a night flight).
Leave in the earliest hours you can in the morning to make the most of clear roads and less crowded public transport. Alternatively, choose to travel when most people are tucking themselves in bed. If this means you’ll arrive in the small hours to friends and family, consider a motel stop-off halfway to get some sleep and set off early to complete the trip.
Fill Up Before You Go
Put your car through Halford’s free winter car check (or if you’re with the RAC, they have a 15-point check for members) before you drive away. Top up your screenwash, check your tyres and brakes, and make sure everything is in working order.
Then use a fuel price finder like the RAC’s app or www.petrolprices.com to find the cheapest fuel near you (and on your trip, if it’s a long drive). Always make sure you fill your fuel tank up the day before you’re set to go away, to reduce the time you need to stop and prevent any fuel emergencies if you’re stuck in traffic or have to take a long diversion.
Know Your Travel Rights
Delays can often happen and that impacts your right to claiming your hard-earned money back. For train travel, contact your train operator for details of their Delay Repay system. You can claim from a delay as short as 15 minutes, and delays over 60 minutes entitle you to a full single fare refund.
Flight delays are more complicated, as refunds depend on the cause of delay, length of delay, and the distance of the intended flight. If your flight is totally cancelled, however, the rights are clear: you are entitled to a full refund – you do NOT need to accept a credit note. The full details are available on the Civil Aviation Authority’s website at caa.co.uk/passengers-and-public/resolving-travel-problems/delays-and-cancellations.
Reserve Your Seats – and Claim Them
If you’re booking a train for Christmas travel, always reserve a seat for your specific journey. You can save on upgrades to first-class travel using the Seatfrog app, too.
Even if there are other cancellations which make the trains very busy, you are usually entitled to your reserved seat. There will be an announcement to the effect of all ticket restrictions are lifted if your reservation no longer stands.
However, if restrictions are in place but you’re still travelling on the train you planned to, you have a right to your reserved seat. If you don’t feel comfortable asking people to move, it’s up to you whether you do or not. However, if you have mobility needs which prevent you from standing a long time, speak to a member of staff on the platform before the train arrives – they will help you find a suitable seat.
If you have a first-class train ticket and restrictions are lifted, you can claim the difference between a standard fare and the first-class fare from your train operator.
Travel Light
This one might seem impossible if you’re going away laden with gifts! However, if you’re travelling on public transport, it’s worth considering how you’re going to get your gifts from A to B with the rest of your luggage.
Try not to take too much in the way of excess clothing, either. Create a capsule wardrobe for enough days of your stay – remember if you’re away for more than four days you can always find washing facilities near a hotel or use your family’s machine if you’re staying with them. This will significantly reduce how much you need to pack!
Take Snacks
Packing light is important, but remember to pack a refillable water bottle and some dry snacks like flapjack bars and trail mix. You never know when delays will occur, and there is nothing worse than being stuck on a crowded train absolutely parched! It will also save you from buying very expensive station or airport snacks and drinks if you’re delayed.
Similarly, make sure you have your phone charger to hand, headphones, and a book or eReader to ride out any stressful waiting times in a little comfort.
Book Ahead
If you haven’t booked your Christmas travel yet, put this article down and go and book now! If you’re booking online, make sure you use a cashback site like TopCashback or Quidco to nab any cashback and make your travel a little cheaper.